Rejoicing Quote by George Saunders
““Quick check, said Christ’s emissary from his seat at the diamond table. The being on the right held the mirror up before the red-bearded fellow. The being on the left reached into the red-bearded man’s chest and, with a deft and somehow apologetic movement, extracted the man’s heart, and placed it on the scale. The being on the right checked the mirror. The being on the left checked the scale. Very good, said the Christ-emissary. We are so happy for you, said the being on the right, and I cannot adequately describe the sound of rejoicing that echoed then from across what I now understood to be a vast kingdom extending in all directions around the palace.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The New World” (fictional) (A surreal scene where beings weigh a heart against a mirror, symbolizing judgment and revelation in a vast kingdom.
The passage uses fantastical imagery to explore judgment, truth, and the awe of cosmic scale.
In simple terms: A fantastical judgment scene reflects deeper truths.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on how we judge ourselves and others.
Themes
judgment
truth
surrealism
cosmic scale
reflection
Mood
contemplative
enigmatic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- fictional narrative
- philosophical discussion
- art critique
Key Concepts
metaphor
ethical evaluation
spiritual insight
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the heart represent?
- How does the mirror alter perception?
A Different Perspective
The symbolism may be obscure without context.
![“[During the Renaissance] the Italians said, "We are one in the Father: we will go back." The Northern races said, "We are one in Christ, we will go on.” quote by D. H. Lawrence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/720/d-h-lawrence-426_christ_during-the-renaissance-the-italians-said_2171833.jpg)
